TSS Earnslaw & BBQ Buffet Lunch
4.5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
TSS Earnslaw & BBQ Buffet Lunch
By RealNZ
About
Cruise Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a barbecue lunch served with spectacular views of the Southern Alps. Take a tour that bundles a scenic trip on a vintage steamship, a meal at the Colonel's homestead, and demonstrations of traditional farming skills. The menu showcases local cuisine food from the Central Otago region.
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from per adult
$88.76
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 100 per group
Duration: 3h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
English
Highlights
- Vintage steamship cruise across Lake Wakatipu
- Chef-prepared barbecue lunch with meats, cheeses, salads, and desserts
- Watch a sheepdog and sheep-shearing demonstration
- Cruising the lake gives unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains
- Gourmet BBQ Lunch
- Farm Show
- Live English commentary on board as well as interpretation handouts in English, German, Portuguese, Japanese, Thai, Korean and Chinese
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Entry/Admission - Queenstown
What's not included- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Make your way to a wharf on the Queenstown waterfront to board the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship that’s more than a century old. Check out the engine room to see how the twin-screw propellers are powered, or just enjoy the view from the open deck—bring your camera for panoramic shots of the mountains. Upon arrival at Walter Peak High Country Farm, sit down to a barbecue lunch. Sample salads, local cheeses, and meats, with the option to add for-fee wine pairings from Central Otago. Before or after lunch, watch farm show demonstration that includes working sheepdogs and sheep shearing, then board the TSS Earnslaw for the return trip to Queenstown.
- Departure details
- 88 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Please arrive 30 minutes before departure and queue directly outside the TSS Earnslaw, you will be checked in by name. (You are not required to check in at the office prior to this time)
Return details- Returns to original departure point
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2264P22- Note: Menu items are subject to change based on chef's discretion and seasonal availability.
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- What you can expect during your visit
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Community- Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
- How much is TSS Earnslaw & BBQ Buffet Lunch?
- TSS Earnslaw & BBQ Buffet Lunch price starts from $91.47. Discover and book TSS Earnslaw & BBQ Buffet Lunch on Tripadvisor
- What is the TSS Earnslaw & BBQ Buffet Lunch cancellation policy?
- TSS Earnslaw & BBQ Buffet Lunch cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book TSS Earnslaw & BBQ Buffet Lunch on Tripadvisor
- How much time do I need for TSS Earnslaw & BBQ Buffet Lunch?
- On average, this experience will take approximately 3h 30m. Discover and book TSS Earnslaw & BBQ Buffet Lunch on Tripadvisor
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2264P22
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- davidfZ7310UN00worth a goA good trip at a busy time on a sunny day. Good to look around the ship/boat and see the engine room in action, along with the history of the boat in notes and pictures - very interesting. Disappointed there were no refunds when one of our party was not well enough to take the trip. A tad expensive, particularly considering the previous sentence.
- FayaTashakori00It was amazing experience. The food was amazing and the hospitality.The lunch and the farm show. Before the ship land the staff were waving and it was beautiful.. Highly recommended.
- Lindsay B00Nice nostalgic boat ride. The farm was a disappointment.Really loved the TSS Earnshaw Steamer cruise. I was with a friend with a disability who was in a wheelchair. The staff were incredible. So helpful and made sure we boarded first. The stop at the farm was a disappointment however. They claim it to be disability friendly however it was not. The paths are loose gravel and we could not proceed with the farm tour as the chair kept getting stuck. Also, there was no ramp to the gift store. The afternoon tea was average as they ran out of hot water and milk. Would recommend just the cruise and give the farm tour a miss.
- Philip S00Cruise Lake Whakatipu in historic comfortIt's just wonderful being out on Lake Whakatipu, but extra special to do it in the over 100 year old steamship. Lounge in comfort with a drink from the bar. Wander the deck for alpine views. Or gaze upon the precision engineering of the coal fired steam engine.
- 808giggles00cool ride on a historic shipThe ride aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm was nice, especially during sunset. It was cool to see how the steam engine worked. One can purchase drinks and snacks during the ride or wait for a gourmet barbecue dinner at the Farm. The barbecue dinner has so many options: seafood, organic chicken, pork and beef. There were so many desserts to choose from.
- 813kellyannep00A great allround experience.This is a beautiful old ship and the experience is priceless for kids. The food at Walter Peak is gorgeous and the process of getting through lunch well thought out. Staff are well equipped to deal with a large number of diners and every event is well timed. There are alot of people and lining up is never pleasant but they made the process very smooth and functional.
- Blincs100Off the grid and loved it!We did a two night cruise on Doubtful Sound which was amazing. While there was no rain, which is what everyone wants on this cruise as you get amazing waterfalls, we did have beautiful fog and mist which made the cruise quite magical. The food, staff, services were first class, and our cabin was just as fabulous as a hotel room. Beautiful crisp linen; fabulous shower and perfectly comfortable. I can't recommend this cruise highly enough, and everyone on baord just loved their time on the water. The photographic opportunities were fantastic. We sailed out to meet the Tasman Ocean, which was exhilerating but a little nerve-racking as the Ocean was quite rough. This is an experience not to be missed.
- Diane R00Best package as can tour the farmGreat for families or adults who are big kids at heart. The rest of my tour group did the evening meal buffet ride and were fair jealous when they saw I had got to meet all the animals on my afternoon trip. The animals all come running down to meet you as they know there is food about. You can hand feed them - and get slobbered on - or just watch. Particularly liked that they had Isla, a female highland cow and not just the males and the sheep with a mullet style trim was fun. Afternoon tea was a simple affair of hot or cold drinks and a variety of cakes. A plate was even put out for the birds to help themselves which was lovely. The sheep shearing is a must see if you are in New Zealand and we got a good demonstration here. Very knowledgeable and genuinely interested staff. Not so sure about the piano player on the steamer (!) but a lovely afternoon out.
- ArpanD00Real Joy from this RealNZ experienceWhat a lovely experience. As with Stewart Island, this RealNZ experience is also a must-do activity in NZ. The steamship in itself is over a century old and watching it in action up-close and personal is an experience in itself. Maybe a guided tour inside the steamship could have been better. After reaching Walter Farm, it's another lifetime experience with the farm animals, feeding them and watching them up-close ending with a sheep shearing session and a high-tea on the farm. Not to be missed even if you are not an animal lover, coz the experience is worth it.
- n8th8n00Production-line tourism at its finestOverall, it was OK, however you should realise that you will feel like one of the cattle-station sheep by the end. Jam-packed boat with a piano playing music you can't hear, but a nice old boat that's been maintained well. Then you're herded into the restaurant, and assigned a table number and sequentially given permission to approach the buffet. Most food is served cold - cold meats and deli type dishes, tasteless cold seafood. The roast lamb, chicken and pork are all very safe recipes, but reasonable quality. Dessert was the highlight. The sheep show following dinner was nice - the cattle dogs are incredible. Then you're herded back into the boat where the next bolus of tourists are disembarking. These tours run constantly one after the other - production line tourism at its finest. I don't think the price reflects the 'economies of scale' experience - they must have very significant profit margins.
- Kylie M00Sad we didn’t get to experience it!Unfortunately we had a medical emergency that pulled us from this - the team at Walter Peak we’re helpful during the medical emergency and ensured we would be refunded. However, it’s been two months and we still haven’t been refunded and missed the entire activity.
- 69kelleyk00***** FIVE STARS *****Spectacular!!! ---- Highly recommend - best meal in Queenstown. Staff were terrific - prompt & friendly! Venue was pristine - clean & organised. Boat ride was stunning & historic (this ship was launched sam year as the TITANIC - 1912).
- Go3048866353100Worth the effort. Lots of history.Great trip. Lovely scenery. Didn't go for BBQ lunch (looked packed). Just as well meant nice quiet trip back.
- schultzy0200Wow! Worth every penny.Took the 4pm trip which enabled us to see the lake and surrounds on the way to the farm which was about an hour. Arrived at Walter Peak to a beautiful homestead and the fine dining buffet was delicious. Highly recommend going just for the food. To end the evening you get to see a sheep shearing show before returning back to Queenstown on the Steamer which you also get to view in full operation.
- jamesC519BC00Great views great boat.Relaxing boat cruise with great views of the surrounding mountains. Well set up to observe the steam engine and operation of the boat.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
216 reviews
Excellent
173
Very good
31
Average
6
Poor
2
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4
Longtimetraveller
4 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
TSS Earnslaw was a treat for a lovely ride on the lake. The boat holds a lot of people who are doing various tours. Piano player was a nice touch. Once at the resort, the patio was a bit warm in the sun but too beautiful to sit inside! They have tables of various sizes and you aren’t stuck at a long table with strangers. The manager comes around and invites tables up to the buffet, which we thought was a great idea until we were invited at almost the very end. The line was very long inside and we watched numerous people coming in for seconds and dessert before we even reached the first section. There was NOTHING left at the appetizer/salad station and it was never replenished. They did replenish the hot station and meat stations and what we ate was tasty. The dessert was delicious as well but only halfway thru they were ushering us to go to the show. No waitress in site and no way to pay the bill, we had to leave our half eaten desserts to head across the property to the sheep shearing show. We figured we must have time to come back and settle our tab and visit the gift shop after the show. WRONG…. Our waitress did arrive to the amphitheater and we were able to settle our tab. The sheep shearing show started great and was informative, until the man who was shearing the sheep cut the sheep and suddenly there was a large amount of blood all over the sheep and the man’s hands. He assured us it looked much worse than it was and he kept going. This was horrifying and several people abruptly left. When he was done, he rendered no aid to the sheep and put him back in the enclosed pen. He then demonstrated the dog herding portion of the show. We were told to head back to the boat as it was ready to leave. I thought, finally, he’ll care for the hurt sheep. But instead we saw him coming to the dock and working on the loading bridge of the boat. I’m truly saddened thinking about the injured sheep and between that and the disorganization of the buffet, I simply can’t recommend this activity.
Written March 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amelia
Perth, Australia70 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Not sure why we never did this when we were last here but we are glad we did this time around. For nzd 129 pp, it was a good three plus hour activity which was well run from the smooth boarding just before 12 pm and the service at the restaurant . Food was good and plentiful and the kids were catered for with lollies as well . Views stunning and sheep dog demo a lovely end to the activity before boarding at 3 pm for trip back . Would have probably liked another hour to wonder around and see the animals though . Great activity for all ages
Written July 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cuppabythefire
2 contributions
I didn’t really want to go to a ‘farm’ and I didn’t really know what to expect so was a bit a bit grumbly prior to the experience however I changed my tune quickly. The trip on the Earnslaw was fun with stunning views and the homestead, grounds and location was a sight to arrive to. The buffet was so delicious and it was so well managed for the volume of people there eating all at once, the food was very enjoyable and plentiful. We had SOPHIA tending to our table and she was an outstanding host, really responsive, fun and personable, she was very in tune with our table and what I could see the other tables she was tending. She made our experience even more enjoyable.
Written November 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joy C
Dunedin, New Zealand16 contributions
We loved our experience, a fantastic way to spend an afternoon. The Earnslaw cruise was informative and it was fun being able to move around the boat. There were a lot of people on board, and as always some didn’t want to heed the H&S instructions but we thought it was great that anyone seen doing anything hazardous was pulled up on it immediately.
The BBQ lunch was sensational, we thoroughly enjoyed it. It was great to be able to go back for more - particularly the amazing tender meats. To be honest words don’t do the meal justice.
We had a little time to wander around the farm near the wharf after watching a presentation on sheep dogs. Great presenter (and dog), but it did go on a little long.
Loved seeing the Highland cattle up close - what a beautiful beast!
Only reason I marked it down is that I feel that at full price, it is overpriced. We managed to get a discount, and while I would have paid more than we did, I would be reluctant to pay full price.
The BBQ lunch was sensational, we thoroughly enjoyed it. It was great to be able to go back for more - particularly the amazing tender meats. To be honest words don’t do the meal justice.
We had a little time to wander around the farm near the wharf after watching a presentation on sheep dogs. Great presenter (and dog), but it did go on a little long.
Loved seeing the Highland cattle up close - what a beautiful beast!
Only reason I marked it down is that I feel that at full price, it is overpriced. We managed to get a discount, and while I would have paid more than we did, I would be reluctant to pay full price.
Written May 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mccdzyne
Papamoa, New Zealand497 contributions
Was definitely a tick off on the Queenstiwn bucket list. Glad we did it.Had a reasonable fine day on the Lake and the gentle steam out to Walter Peak farm for lunch. Excellent BBq lunch it was, great buffet selection and all very tasty. Even had a shelf full of jars of classic kiwi lollies. Great setting with wonderful views over Lake Wakitipu whilst feasting on their own bred lamb , yum and all in peace and quiet. Enjoyed the dog mustering show as well after lunch. We both enjoyed the trip, and would definitely recommend , even the boat trip on the grand old steamship TSS Earnslw was worth it. Recommend
Written July 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ngaire b
Arrowtown, New Zealand225 contributions
Nov 2020
As a group we did this lovely day out last year and again this year.
12 of us sailed up the lake, sat on the terrace in beautiful weather and had a delicious lunch. The service was good, the food great and the scenery superb.
We are so lucky to live in this beautiful area.
Thank you Real Journeys for giving locals a discount, its really appreciated.
Look forward to doing this again next year.
12 of us sailed up the lake, sat on the terrace in beautiful weather and had a delicious lunch. The service was good, the food great and the scenery superb.
We are so lucky to live in this beautiful area.
Thank you Real Journeys for giving locals a discount, its really appreciated.
Look forward to doing this again next year.
Written November 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
howluckyrwe
8 contributions
Devine lunch the meat so tender it melted in your mouth. The setting was picture book and the shearing and dog sheep rounding nothing less than truly admirable. Would certainly recommend....would love to have also done the farm tour too...next time.
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brettnjess
Melbourne, Australia1,157 contributions
A wonderful tour for all ages, best to be done on a lovely day. We have been lucky most of the times we have been on the tour.
Always lovely to go on the old lady Earnslaw. She keeps everyone entertained, beautiful views along the way, a lady playing in the piano, food and drink served on board.
About 45 mins before you disembark at Walter Peak. Lunch there is well run, delicious perfectly cooked bbq beef, roast pork, free range chicken and bbq homemade sausage, lots of roasted vegetables and salads to choose from, also a selection of dessert followed by tea and coffee. Wines and beers are also available on request.
After lunch, go for a walk around the Walter Peak grounds, the hobby farmland is a short walking distance away. We saw donkeys, two little piglets, alpacas, Scottish highland cattles, working dogs, sheeps, goats, deer. Then it was time to board the Earnslaw back to Queenstown. What a wonderful relaxing afternoon. It was about a four hour tour.
Always lovely to go on the old lady Earnslaw. She keeps everyone entertained, beautiful views along the way, a lady playing in the piano, food and drink served on board.
About 45 mins before you disembark at Walter Peak. Lunch there is well run, delicious perfectly cooked bbq beef, roast pork, free range chicken and bbq homemade sausage, lots of roasted vegetables and salads to choose from, also a selection of dessert followed by tea and coffee. Wines and beers are also available on request.
After lunch, go for a walk around the Walter Peak grounds, the hobby farmland is a short walking distance away. We saw donkeys, two little piglets, alpacas, Scottish highland cattles, working dogs, sheeps, goats, deer. Then it was time to board the Earnslaw back to Queenstown. What a wonderful relaxing afternoon. It was about a four hour tour.
Written July 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
julieheron
Maidenhead, UK198 contributions
Very well organised and high quality trip.
The boat is cute and iconic as born in 1906. Piano played all the way … bar open and drinks a little pricey but you only need one for the journey… about 40 mins to the Homestead …beautiful views all the way especially if it’s sunny!
On arrival the team on shore welcome you with a wave. On arrival slick check in to your appointed table. Drinks then ordered by iPad and come quickly. All inside and you can see the open kitchen and bbq. Plates of fabulous meats layed out on stone boards.
You are told when to go and eat . There is plenty so no need to rush. Worth going to the starter island for fresh salmon prawns mussels etc .
Then go round the meats and beautiful veg or salads. You can go up again if you have room. Then there is a cheese island and to die for dessert island … absolutely stunning ! All food absolutely beautifully cooked and presented. We were stuffed !
Next a wander in the pretty gardens right by the lake .. you can take your drinks and then onto the farm show in a fabulous amphitheater. Host brilliant and you see a lamb sheared and then gorgeous sheep dog guides sheep from the hills down. Lovely gift shop and then back on boat and back at 9pm - great value quality and service. Worth every dollar.
The boat is cute and iconic as born in 1906. Piano played all the way … bar open and drinks a little pricey but you only need one for the journey… about 40 mins to the Homestead …beautiful views all the way especially if it’s sunny!
On arrival the team on shore welcome you with a wave. On arrival slick check in to your appointed table. Drinks then ordered by iPad and come quickly. All inside and you can see the open kitchen and bbq. Plates of fabulous meats layed out on stone boards.
You are told when to go and eat . There is plenty so no need to rush. Worth going to the starter island for fresh salmon prawns mussels etc .
Then go round the meats and beautiful veg or salads. You can go up again if you have room. Then there is a cheese island and to die for dessert island … absolutely stunning ! All food absolutely beautifully cooked and presented. We were stuffed !
Next a wander in the pretty gardens right by the lake .. you can take your drinks and then onto the farm show in a fabulous amphitheater. Host brilliant and you see a lamb sheared and then gorgeous sheep dog guides sheep from the hills down. Lovely gift shop and then back on boat and back at 9pm - great value quality and service. Worth every dollar.
Written February 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janine D
Tauranga, New Zealand4 contributions
Mar 2021
Beautiful old steam boat which my husband was fascinated with watching the workings of the engine through the open viewing area. The 45min trip to Walter farm was great and the scenery superb there is a bar and cafe on board which we didnt make use of as we were saving ourselves for the buffet lunch. We had heard from family members how great this buffet was and we certainly weren't disappointed, The meats were amazing so tender and tasty. All the side dishes were delicious and the deserts were yum. So glad we did this to celebrate my 50th birthday. Made it one to remember
Written April 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
itsaleggthing
Auckland Central, New Zealand59 contributions
Do people that get sea sick experience the similar issues with on this cruise?
itsaleggthing
Auckland Central, New Zealand59 contributions
Awesome - Thanks
Barry
Christchurch, New Zealand
Hi can you tell me What time does the cruise for lunch starts ??? Thanks
Larry G
Palm Beach Gardens, FL16 contributions
Is there a dinner cruise or just a lunch cruise.
Larry G
Palm Beach Gardens, FL16 contributions
Is there a dinner cruise or just a lunch cruise.
martomsak
Edmonton, Canada132 contributions
We were booked into a cruise that left Queenstown at shortly after twelve noon. It included a BBQ lunch at Walter Peak. I think there is also a dinner cruise available.
Lee P.
3 contributions
I would like to eat the barbecue lunch, but have food allergies. Can you accommodate a gluten and soy free diet? Thanks you, Lee, Burbank, Ohio
TammyM
Amherstview, Canada194 contributions
I did not see anything and beside that it was not worth it, not a good buffet. I would do the tea room, I have heard very good things
Melissa L
Malaysia3 contributions
Hi, are the activities the same during winter? Just worried that the activities might not be viable during winter
GrandTour668188
12 contributions
We went in june so it was winter we had a beautiful day if u dont like cold the rug up warm but at the buffet the room was warm
Feryhd48
Jakarta, Indonesia3 contributions
Dear Sir,
We would like to book walter peak with lunch package on 18th June 2018.
In tripadvisor information said the TSS Earnlaw will be launch subtitute. Please kindly explain what is that mean before we make reservation?
Thank you
Best Regards,
Fery Susanto
Jakarta, Indonesia
Frank C
Saratoga, CA35 contributions
Fery, you can take the TSS Earnslaw from downtown Queenstown for a 45 minute boat ride over to Walter Peak. You can choose to have an optional, extra cost BBQ lunch once you're on the island and after the sheep shearing (watch them give a sheep a haircut).
The BBQ lunch was amazing and I highly recommend it.
I hope this helps...
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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TSS Earnslaw & BBQ Buffet Lunch provided by RealNZ
Product Overview: TSS Earnslaw & BBQ Buffet Lunch
| Prices From | $90 |
|---|---|
| Number of Reviews | 215 |
| Number of Photos | 498 |
| Duration | 210 minutes |
































































